Northern red oak, or common red oak, flourishes in much of the Eastern states. The northern red oak grows in a variety of soils and topography. The northern red oak is known for its brilliant fall foliage and acorns that feed local wildlife. As one of the faster growing oaks, this tree is very important to the lumber industry.
Most northern red oaks grow to 90 feet, depending on environmental factors. Some trees have been known to reach 140 feet tall. The trunk of this tree is typically 20-40 inches in diameter. The leaves on a northern red oak are lobed, usually with seven to eleven lobes. The leaves sport a smooth and glossy look on the upper surface, with the underside being a little hairy.
The base of the leaf is broad then gradually ends with a pair of pointed teeth at the top. The fruit of the northern red oak is an acorn or nut that can occur singly or in clusters of two to five. These acorns ripen between August to late October and are brown when at fully maturity. Acorn production does not begin until the tree reaches 20 years of age. Every tree is different and as a result some trees produce more acorns than others.
Acorn before maturity
The northern red oak's native range stretches from parts of Canada down to the deep south, over to the eastern cities, and to the outskirts of eastern Nebraska. Annual rainfall in each region averages about 30 inches per yer and snowfall averages differ depending on the region.
This tree is found in zones 4-8.
Though the northern red oak grows in a particular section of the United States, each region offers different soil qualities. In the north, the northern red oak grows in cool, moist soil. Down in the south, the tree grows in warm, moist soil. The northern red oak can be found in all topographic positions. The tree tends to grow the best when planted middle or low-lying slopes, deep ravines, and well-drained valleys. Northern red oaks typically grow at elevations up to 3,500 feet and some areas the tree can grow up to 5,500 feet.
Most northern red oaks grow to 90 feet, depending on environmental factors. Some trees have been known to reach 140 feet tall. The trunk of this tree is typically 20-40 inches in diameter. The leaves on a northern red oak are lobed, usually with seven to eleven lobes. The leaves sport a smooth and glossy look on the upper surface, with the underside being a little hairy.
The base of the leaf is broad then gradually ends with a pair of pointed teeth at the top. The fruit of the northern red oak is an acorn or nut that can occur singly or in clusters of two to five. These acorns ripen between August to late October and are brown when at fully maturity. Acorn production does not begin until the tree reaches 20 years of age. Every tree is different and as a result some trees produce more acorns than others.
The northern red oak's native range stretches from parts of Canada down to the deep south, over to the eastern cities, and to the outskirts of eastern Nebraska. Annual rainfall in each region averages about 30 inches per yer and snowfall averages differ depending on the region.
Though the northern red oak grows in a particular section of the United States, each region offers different soil qualities. In the north, the northern red oak grows in cool, moist soil. Down in the south, the tree grows in warm, moist soil. The northern red oak can be found in all topographic positions. The tree tends to grow the best when planted middle or low-lying slopes, deep ravines, and well-drained valleys. Northern red oaks typically grow at elevations up to 3,500 feet and some areas the tree can grow up to 5,500 feet.
Picture citations:
http://caseytrees.org/tree-species/northern-red-oak/
www.gopixpic.com